New mums and dads can find out about the benefits of ditching disposable nappies and using the real thing at information roadshows organised by the Dorset Waste Partnership.
To celebrate Real Nappy Week (16 22 May) recycling officers will be holding a series of real nappy roadshows to raise awareness of how parents can save money and help the environment by swapping to machine washable nappies.
Modern reusable nappies are shaped, have biodegradable liners, use modern fasteners and are easy and simple to use.
Dorset mum, Clare Angus, has been using real nappies with her four month old daughter, Isabella, since she was a few days old. Clare said:
I ve been really pleased with the washable nappies, and would definitely use them if I have another child. I d also recommend other mums and dads give them a try.
I started using washable nappies to save money as they work out cheaper than disposable ones in the long run. I was also keen to minimise our impact on the environment and reusable nappies mean throwing less rubbish away, so we are helping to prevent waste ending up in landfill sites.
Isabella is very happy and comfortable wearing real nappies. Plus we always have the option of switching to using a combination of washable and disposable nappies when needed – for example when away on holiday.
It is estimated that disposable nappies cost around 1,000 per child from baby to toddler, using real nappies instead can help parents cut this cost by over half making them an attractive, environmentally-friendly and a practical alternative.
Parents living in the Dorset County Council area can apply for a 30 voucher to spend with a listed retailer, or apply for a 30 refund for a purchase of real nappies already bought. If preferred, they can also use this voucher towards the cost of using a local nappy laundry service.
Dorset Waste Partnership Director Steve Burdis said:
The real nappy incentive scheme has been successfully running for the last three years and has helped more than 564 parents try washable nappies.
We hope more parents-to-be and new mums and dads will visit our information roadshows for a friendly, informal chat about the daily realities and practical advantages of reusable nappies.
Roadshows are taking place on:
Monday 23 May – Bond Street, Weymouth 10am – 2pm Wednesday 25 May – South Street, Dorchester 10am – 2pm Thursday 26 May – Sainsbury’s, Wareham 10am – 2pm Friday 27 May Penny s Walk, Ferndown 10am 2pm Saturday 28 May – Blandford market 9am – 1pm Wednesday 1 June – Bucky Doo Square, Bridport 9am – 1pm Thursday 2 June Corn Exchange, Dorchester 5pm 7pm Monday 6 June – Christchurch market 9am – 1pm
For more information visit www.dorsetforyou.com/realnappies.
